Primary Function
This position reports to the Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business. This position works within the Gift Planning Team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual major gift prospects. The primary responsibility is to obtain private major and planned gifts at the highest level. This individual also supports the priorities identified by the university. While the highest priority is to generate charitable gift revenue, this position will focus on securing major gifts of $25,000 or more.

Duties and Responsibilities (generally)
Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising – Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward

Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of individual and corporate major gift donors and potential donors. Personal contact and engagement with prospects and donors and securing major gifts will be required on a consistent basis and will be a significant metric which is monitored and evaluated monthly and annually.

Work with the Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business, in the development and implementation of donor strategies.

Utilize advancement support services specific to developing a portfolio of prospects and to strategically move donors to solicitation on a regular basis. These resources include management of a database of gift and prospect records, prospect research and files, and proposals.

Serve as the point person to coordinate firm fund-raising campaigns and take the lead in managing sponsorship activities.

Fundraising – Create Major and Planning Giving Plans

Represent the College in the creation of a focused and aggressive major and planned giving plan for the College which includes developing solicitation letters/proposals, documenting pledge intentions, writing timely expendable fund and endowed agreements, and regularly completing contact reports.

Work on special projects, distinguished donor society fundraising, capital campaigns, and partner with their advancement colleagues in the NIU Division of University Advancement.

Fundraising – Develop and Implement Donor Strategies

Develop and implement donor strategies.

Utilize advancement support services specific to developing a portfolio of prospects and to strategically move donors to solicitation on a regular basis. These resources include management of a database of gift and prospect records, prospect research and files, and proposals.

Establish fundraising goals and develop and promote long-range solicitation strategies. These goals and strategies will lead to participation in ongoing and programmatic relationships with alumni, parent, friend, corporations/foundations, faculty, and staff of Northern Illinois University.

Administration and Planning

Work with faculty and staff of the College regarding development, alumni and donor relations responsibilities.

Serve as an NIU Foundation resource for department chairs, associate deans, and administrative staff as it relates to policies and procedures related to philanthropy and alumni relations.

Involve close collaboration with the Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business; University President; Vice President for University Advancement/CEO of the NIU Foundation; College Deans; NIU Foundation board members and volunteer leaders in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies of major gift donors. These relationships require a high degree of skilled communication and careful planning.

As needed, will represent the University and the NIU Foundation at University and college events, as well as community, volunteer and professional organizations. In the event of scheduling or other conflicts on the supervisor’s calendar, the Director of Advancement will represent the Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business at any function, event, meeting, conference and/or presentation, as so directed.

Identify, recruit, train, and direct the activities of volunteers involved in solicitation strategies.

Demonstrable commitment to the highest standard of ethical and professional conduct in accordance with the CASE Statement of Ethics, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, and The Donor Bill of Rights. (Membership not required.)

Demonstrably strong work ethic and entrepreneurial mentality. A high-level of integrity, focus and commitment to achieve ambitious goals is essential.

Familiarity with the "moves management" approach to major gift fundraising.

Experience working within a matrixed organizational structure where performance responsibilities are evaluated in different divisions.

A flexible attitude and clear ability to modify and adapt as situations

Demonstrated commitment to diversity and promoting an inclusive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

Education and Experience Preferred

Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a collegiate environment.

Advanced degree and/or professional designation (CFRE).

Capital campaign experience in higher education is highly desirable.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office software and familiarity with appropriate foundation fundraising tools. Knowledge of computerized systems of donor record keeping, data tracking of prospects, and donors.

Commitment to the ideals and culture of higher education.

A proven ability to build strong relationships anchored in trust and integrity.

The ability to effectively work in a group/team environment to assist in intra-divisional initiatives

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